Applying for telephone numbers

Numbering Application Forms and details on how to apply for UK Telephone Numbers. NB. The Application Forms are only accessible via password access by the 'Application Contacts' currently registered with Ofcom's Numbering Team.

Who can be Allocated Telephone Numbers by Ofcom?

Providers of a Public Electronic Communications Network ("PECN") or providers of a Public Electronic Communications Service ("PECS") may be Allocated Telephone Numbers. 'Electronic Communications Network' and 'Electronic Communications Service' are defined in the Communications Act 2003, Section 32.

Where to find the Telephone Numbers you want

Application Forms S1 - S10, above, ask you to select the Telephone Numbers you require from The National Numbering Scheme (for the other Forms, Ofcom will select the Telephone Numbers).

The National Numbering Scheme information is presented in two formats:

1. in a series of Excel files (for viewing); and
2. in a series of csv (Comma Separated Variable) files which are contained in a 'zip' file (for downloading).

You will need to 'unzip' the file using the Winzip software or similar.  Once unzipped, you will be presented with a list of files.  The files and the numbering they contain are as follows -

• sabc.txt - a list showing what Telephone Number ranges from The National Numbering Scheme beginning 01-09 are used for generally (this list does not show a breakdown of individual Telephone Number ranges Allocated to Communications Providers)
• s1_code.txt - Geographic Numbers Allocated in 1k & 10k number block size (Telephone Numbers that begin 01 and 02)
• s3_code.txt - UK Wide Numbering (Non Revenue Sharing) - numbers that begin 03.
• s5_code.txt - Corporate Numbers and Location Independent Electronic Communications Services - numbers that begin 05.
• s7_code.txt - Personal Numbering, Radiopaging and Mobile (|numbers that begin 07)
• s8_code.txt - Freephone (0800 and 0808), Internet for Schools, Up to 5p and Local Rate, Up to 10p and National Rate - numbers that begin 08.
• s9_code.txt - Special Services at a Premium Rate (numbers that begin 09)
• s10_code.txt - Access Codes e.g. Directory Enquiry (DQ) services, Indirect Access. Codes of the format 1XX, 1XXX, 1XXXX (and 118XXX for DQ).

N.B. In all the files above you should only select from those Telephone Numbers that are shown as 'Free', and ensure you follow any other instructions in the Application Form, as appropriate (e.g. for DQ or Indirect Access Codes, select only those shown as 'Type B').

How and where to send the Application Forms

The Application Forms should be submitted to Ofcom's Numbering Unit by e-mail to:

numbering.applications@ofcom.org.uk.